News Highlights

18 July 2017

Study on Lessons for Ocean Energy Development

Europe has a significant ocean energy resource which could contribute to the decarbonisation of the energy system and create a new industry with export opportunities worldwide. Despite advancements in the last two decades, tapping into this resource has turned out to be a challenge. The objective of this study is to point to failures and good practices/lessons learnt in ocean energy technology development in Europe in relation to tidal and wave energy. The focus has been on both technological and non-technological (finance, IPR, business operation or other) issues and barriers to cooperation. Based on the collected information, the aim is to identify in a structured way the most important key issues for further development of the sector.

The study was conducted by Ecorys and Fraunhofer IWES with the involvement of many ocean energy stakeholders. It presents a chronological overview of developments in the sector. In tidal energy, significant convergence has taken place, while there is still fragmentation in the wave segment.

The study concludes that root causes and barriers to development are diverse and interrelated. They call for an integrated approach and close cooperation between public and private actors, from industry, academia to financial institutions and governments. Change of behaviour towards embracing good practices and learning from past experiences is urgent. Knowledge and experience sharing are indispensable for enhancing learning. The study makes several recommendations for the future, such as better coordination of technology development, knowledge exchange, aligning framework conditions and support activities, and effective use of public funding.

Energy Info Days 2017

This year the Energy Info Days will present the new funding opportunities and innovative schemes offered by Horizon 2020’s Work Programme 2018-2020. Applying for funding is a competitive process, and only the best project proposals will be selected. If you would like to know more about the type of projects we will be looking for, save the date and join us in Brussels on 23, 24 and 25 October 2017.

EU Sustainable Energy Week 2017

During the EU's Sustainable Energy Week, public authorities, energy agencies, research organisations, NGOs, businesses, and private consumers will have the chance to exchange ideas about providing secure, clean and efficient energy. Events organised as part of the week will include the annual Policy Conference on sustainable energy as well as networking opportunities and an awards ceremony for energy-saving initiatives.

At its second global forum in Beijing, China, 6-8 June, 2017, senior Ministerial delegates from 22 member nations and the European Union, representing more than 80% of the world’s public investment in clean energy research, came together with private sector investors, thought-leaders and innovators to discuss challenges, highlight progress, and explore opportunities for collaborative projects toward an affordable, low-carbon future.

EERA high level political event 2017

How can Europe keep focus to achieve the objectives of the Energy Union and the global energy and climate agenda at a challenging time for the political union? Is Europe on track to make it happen? The discussion at the EERA event “Cooperation in European energy research & innovation: reality and expectations”, which took place on May 3 in Brussels, highlighted that there is not a unique recipe but that we need a combination of instruments to succeed.

Success Stories

Promising all-electric systems being developed for next-generation aircraft look set to transform the skies over Europe, reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions and increasing competitiveness, according to EU-funded researchers.